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The Department of Homeland Security said Friday it would begin testing "e-Passports" in the international terminal of San Francisco International Airport. The trial is a joint effort of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand that have been issued the new passports, as well as Singapore Airlines crew and U.S. diplomats will participate in the test.

Readers capable of scanning the electronic passports have been installed in the terminal, and Homeland Security hopes to find out if the new system would speed up the customs process. Changi Airport in Singapore and Sydney Airport in Australia are also participating.

"This test provides an important opportunity to work with our international partners to further the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to put in place an e-Passport reader solution by the fall of this year," Homeland Security's US-VISIT director Jim Williams said.

Another trial was recently completed at Los Angeles Airport, however the results indicated further testing was needed to ensure the worthiness and overall performance of the new system.
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Read More / Source: BetaNews